Wound complications at the groin after peripheral arterial surgery sparing the lymphatic tissue: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
The groin incision after arterial reconstructive surgery is most likely at risk for infectious or lymphatic wound complications. Theoretically; sparing lymphatic tissue by a lateral approach to the femoral artery should minimize these. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of wound complications after the lateral versus the direct approach of the common femoral artery.


METHODS
The study population included all patients who underwent an exploration of the common femoral artery between May 2002 and December 2005.


RESULTS
After 6 weeks, no statistical differences in the occurrence of wound complications could be shown. A wound infection was present after 6 weeks in 6.1% in the direct group versus 6.0% in the lateral group. Lymphorrhea was persistent in 3.1% in the direct group versus 5.0% in the lateral group.


CONCLUSIONS
Using a lateral vertical incision for the approach of the common femoral artery did not decrease the incidence of postoperative wound complications.
Ploeg
Arianne J
AJ
Haga Hospital, Department of Vascular Surgery, The Hague, the Netherlands. arianneploeg@hotmail.com
Lardenoye
Jan-Willem P
JW
Peeters
Mark-Paul F M Vrancken
MP
Hamming
Jaap F
JF
Breslau
Paul J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods